Wayne Rooney is set to return to the Three Lions fold one last time as Gareth Southgate looks to give him the international send off he deserves in his final appearance. Rooney, who will be making his 120th appearance for his country, called time on his England career just as new manager Gareth Southgate was putting his faith in younger player towards the start of his tenure.
However, now Wazza will train and play for England once more in what is set to be his very final appearance in an England shirt. The friendly v USA this month is set to raise money for charity and will be his Wembley farewell.
Rooney, who now plays in the MLS for DC United, should generate more interest in the game and therefore make more money for charity. Rooney will also be training with the squad as they prepare for their Nations League game v Croatia, although he is not set to feature in that one.
Roney’s last England appearance came against Scotland and Hampden Park, but after the game he announced his international retirement.
He said: "It was great that Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches. I really appreciated that.
However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international fooball.”
Rooney, despite being England captain for several years, will not be captain against the USA as Southgate looks to keep some sort of consistency. This may seem gimmicky to many but Rooney, England’s record goalscorer, deserves a proper send off in front of his home crowd. Gareth Southgate will announce his full squad on Thursday.
